"The sun is dangerous." It's a common refrain we hear every time Summer rolls around, often to the point to which we fear taking our family outside altogether.
But, really, the sun has gotten a bad rap, and as much as we need to all be diligent about wearing sunscreen [1] and protective clothing when playing in the park or splashing by the pool, we should also recognize the amazing benefits that come from children being outdoors . . . and we're not just talking about the advantages of unstructured play. Here are seven scientifically proven reasons playing outside [2] is good for your kid's health.
It Improves Vision
Why is nearsightedness so common these days? Studies have shown [3] that one of the key factors in distance vision impairment is that more and more time is spent indoors under artificial lights. Bright outdoor light helps children's developing eyes maintain the correct distance between the lens and retina, which keeps vision in focus.
It Provides Vitamin D
Most new parents are tasked with giving their babies daily vitamin D supplements, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics [4], the deficiencies don't just stop after infancy. Kids of all ages — as well as adolescents and adults — often do not get enough of the vitamin, which helps ensure the body absorbs calcium, critical to prevent future bone ailments, diabetes, and heart disease. Milk is a source, but sunlight is literally the best medicine. Doctors often encourage kids to play for a few minutes in the sun without sunscreen, which blocks vitamin D, before lathering up.
It Promotes Better Sleep Habits
If your kids have troublesome sleep routines, it could be because their internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm [5], is off. Such "rhythms" are naturally tied to the sun's schedule, so spending too much time inside means their bodies aren't picking up on nature's environmental light cues. Research has shown that early morning exposure to sunlight can help recalibrate wonky sleep cycles, so beat the crowds and get to the park early!
It Offers Cleaner Air
With all the negative reports on the pollution in our air, parents might shun going outside for some "fresh air." Although outdoor pollution is bad for your health, it turns out indoor pollutants are far worse. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency [6], indoor pollutants are normally two to five times higher — but can be as much as 100 times higher — than those outside.
It Keeps Them Upright
Sitting too much results in impaired fat-burning capacity, decreased bone density, and increased blood pressure — not to mention a shortened life span. Kids are more apt to stand and move outdoors, and studies show [7] that even when performing the same activities, children's bodies are more mobile when those tasks are executed outside and more sedentary when done indoors.
It Increases Attention Span
Sure, it hasn't been definitively proven, but several studies have shown that green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children — enough to make it worth a daily stroll through the grass after school or on weekends. In fact, one such experiment conducted by the National Institutes of Health [8] showed that this heightened attention span is evident even if kids perform the same activity in the natural environment as kids who were inside.
It Reduces Stress
Similar to its positive effects on attention span, seeing green spaces can help decrease stress levels in children. Research has shown [9] that upsetting life events cause less psychological distress when children are surrounded by high-nature conditions. Being outside is ideal, but keeping more plants in the house can also help mitigate stress-related issues.